Alligator Zydeco Press releases

Alligator Zydeco Band

Photograph,s ( Snakeman & Zydeco Girl )

Hear Our Music (soon)

Electric Factory Concert Promo for 2003 "Jam on the River"

ALLIGATOR ZYDECO BAND

PRESS RELEASE:

Inspired by providing the Zydeco element to various musical groups since 1985,

Greg "The Snakeman" Troiano formed the Alligator Zydeco Band during Mardi Gras in 1995. This talented 5 (or 6) piece band plays the Louisiana music with the infectious beat, called Zydeco. They pepper this "musical gumbo" with a white hot, hybrid spice they call "B.Y.U.Z." music.(Basic Yankee Urban Zydeco- pronounced-"bayous") Authentic instrumentation such as Cajun, 3-row Diatonic and Piano accordions, and washboard, as well as guitar, bass,and drums, harmonize to provide dynamic dance music. Add some Cajun/Creole-French vocals, spicy two-steps, romantic waltzes and sultry Louisiana rhythm and blues, to round out a solid,energetic Zydeco dance format, and you have the signature sound of this group. The emphasis is on dance and the celebration of life.

*PRESS- NOTE- CAJUN &ZYDECO are two different types of music

Zydeco(zi-deh-koh) is a multi-cultural music which evolved in the Creole communities of Southwest Louisiana.It is a "musical gumbo". Major influences,Cajun French and African traditionial music are combined with Rhythm and Blues,Caribbean,Mexican,Texas Swing,Country Western and Rock and Roll to create an exciting unique sound. The intention of Zydeco music is to make you dance and celebrate the joy of life.

Zydeco Band Instrumentation- A unique aspect of Zydeco music ,is the use of(Cajun,3-row diatonic or piano) accordion as the lead instument.The percussive melodies are complimented by the rattlesnake ryhthms of the vest-like rubboard (frottoir).These two instruments are the trademark of the Zydeco band.Drums, electric bass and guitar complete the ensemble.Some bands utilize a saxophone and in rare occasions a fiddle.And finally,a necessary component for an authentic sound would be,the use of Cajun/Creole French lyrics.

SPECIAL TO THE A.Z.B. The father/daughter team (Greg and Laura Troiano) front this talented band of musicians as the "Snakeman" and the "Zydeco Girl". The "Snakeman's" ability to play the 3 types of accordion (a feat seldom seen,even with the Louisiana bands),and sing Cajun/Creole French,allows the band to cover a wide variety of styles within the genre. Yet its the "Zydeco Girl" who steals the show. This lovely,young lady's spirit and energy leave a lasting impression on everyone who sees her. And her skill on the rubboard is incredible.The entire band loves zydeco music and it shows in their performance. The original BYUZ (pronounced like "bayous") Basic Yankee Urban Zydeco music the band plays is not to be missed.

Band Members:(for this performance the participating band members are underlined)

"Snakeman" (Greg Troiano) - Cajun, Piano & 3 Row Diatonic Accordions, French & English Vocals

"Zydeco Girl" Laura Troiano - Washboard, Triangle ` Paul Newton -Bass, Vocals Seymore Plauger - Drums, Vocals Mark Armstrong - Guitar, Vocals

Paul is a fine bassist and has entertained for decades around the country with many bands . Seymore is a great drummer and very well –known in this region. Mark adds a unique dimension with his amazing guitar skills. These professional musicians work well together. Seymore, Paul and Mark lay down a solid dance groove that is complimented by the rattlesnake polyrhythms provided by Laura and Karen on the rubboards . And joining the band for a majority of their performances,or at times filling in for Laura,is the charming and talented Karen Lerman.(Rubboard,Triangle) To watch Laura and Karen dancing and playing in unison is a real pleasure, and leaves,perhaps, the most memorable image of our band.

Objectives The AZB promotes Zydeco (and Cajun) music and dance. Greg is known for being a local source of information and teaches rubboard and accordion. When not performing, he and other band members,can usually be found at Cajun/Zydeco events. The intention of the AZB,is to have as many people as possible,experience,share their passion and dance to Zydeco music.

Through research and careful attention to detail,the band pays tribute to the creators and current artists by replicating the music faithfully. The AZB has a good,authentic sound and covers a wide representation of the many styles of Zydeco. Included in their performance you will hear facts relating to the music and the instruments,as well as some New Orleans,Cajun and "zydecated" contemporary music.The band also plays original B.Y.U.Z.(Basic Yankee Urban Zydeco)music-"Gah-rone-teed to set ya' feet in motion"

Well received wherever they perform, the band is especially popular with dancers.The AZB's format allows a wide variety of styles and types of Zydeco dance along with waltzes and a few Cajun two-steps. Even if you don't dance,the AZB will lift your spirits. Mais yeah!- it all translates into Beaucoup fun !!!.